Timor-Leste Strengthens Bilateral Relations with Australia's Northern Territory during Official Visit by Minister Robyn Cahill
On November 7th and 8th, 2024, Timor-Leste welcomed the official visit of the Minister for Trade, Business and Relations with Asia of the Northern Territory of Australia, Robyn Cahill, as part of the strengthening of bilateral relations and the implementation of the Strategic Partnership Agreement 2023-2027 between the two Governments. 
The agenda included a meeting with the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay. During the meeting, the initiatives already underway were analysed, and opportunities to intensify cooperation in strategic areas such as the economy, education, tourism, and labour mobility were explored. The Vice Minister for Institutional Strengthening of Health, José dos Reis Magno; the Secretary of State for Professional Training and Employment, Rogério Araújo Mendonça; the President of the Tourism Authority of Timor-Leste (ATTL, IP – acronym in Portuguese), Virgílio Smith; and the Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson, were also present at the meeting.
The Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations of the Northern Territory of Australia said it was “a great honour to come to Timor-Leste and meet with the Vice Prime Minister” and expressed her satisfaction with the “strengthening of the good relations between our countries and the work we can do together”.
The Minister added that the Government of the Northern Territory values relations with Timor-Leste and highlighted the priority areas for cooperation: “I am excited about the opportunities ahead of us. We intend to support Timor-Leste and the Northern Territory in sectors such as the economy, education, business, and tourism”. 
Before the visit, Robyn Cahill emphasised that “the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste share a unique and close relationship, built on economic, strategic and cultural ties”. She also said the meetings with the Government of Timor-Leste “will strengthen international relations and drive progress under the Strategic Partnership Agreement 2023-2027”.
The Strategic Partnership Agreement lays the foundations for bilateral cooperation in key areas such as workforce, trade, investment, tourism, health, agriculture, emergency preparedness, sport, art, and culture. So far, this agreement has already enabled significant initiatives, including strengthening labour mobility, sharing skills, training and exchange programmes, and collaboration in areas such as crocodile management, tourism marketing, the development of biosecurity and the provision of emergency services.
During her stay, Minister Robyn Cahill and Secretary of State Rogério Araújo Mendonça visited the National Centre for Employment and Vocational Training (CNEFP – acronym in Portuguese). The delegation was welcomed by the Director of the CNEFP, Simão Tito Barreto, who presented the areas of training available at the centre, such as bricklaying, carpentry, electricity, plumbing and welding, among others. The Director also highlighted the results achieved and the positive impact on the local community, thanking the trainer exchange programme between the CNEFP and training centres in the Northern Territory, especially in Darwin.
The Minister also hosted a reception for Government representatives, Timorese alumni of Charles Darwin University and Northern Territory citizens doing business in Timor-Leste. 
